Discussion [on "High tension insulators for radio-communication"]

The problem of insulation in wireless is, as Mr. Hills says, a very important one. Probably every radio-engineer or operator present can cite a case or cases wherein a wireless transmitter or receiver had its efficiency marerially lessened by poor insulation, and those of us actively engaged in wireless should be able to profit by this paper, wlhich covers a considerable scope in few words. Mr. Hills does not mention hard rubber as a material for antenna insulation. However, it is and has been used for this purpose in the form of rods about 1" in diameter and 1 to 2 feet in length, with screw eyes in the ends for fastening ropes or wires. These rods have given considerable trouble, due to their absorption of moisture and their surface becoming wet from rain, snow, fog or local precipitationi when they are colder than the surrounding air. And the eyes in the ends of the rods frequently straighten out. Wood is frequently used for strain insulators in the guys, and even rope has been used. Both of these materials in the form commonly used have been bad, at least mechanically, because when the weather caused them to rot or split they pulled apart.